The Cíes Islands, situated on the coast of Galicia, specifically in the Ria de Vigo estuary, are a natural paradise for lovers of nature and birdwatching. With a wide range of species and a unique setting, these islands are the ideal destination for ornithology tourism. In this article, we tell you why the Cíes Islands are a must for bird lovers and how you can enjoy this unique experience.
Remember that with our ferry company, Mar de Ons, you can enjoy guided and group tours to help you discover the native birds of the Cíes Islands. Our team of professional guides will explain everything you need to know about the flora and fauna of this archipelago in great detail. Send an email to comercial@mardeons.com, and we will help you organise your guided tour.
Why are the Cíes Islands an ideal destination for ornithology tourism?
The Cíes Islands are an archipelago formed by three islands: Monteagudo, Do Faro and San Martiño. These protected islands form the Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park and are the perfect refuge for a wide variety of sea and land birds.
A unique setting for birdwatching
The Cíes islands are a unique place where you can find nature in its purest form. Thanks to its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation, these islands are a paradise for birds and lovers of ornithology tourism. For seabirds, the Cíes Islands are the ideal place for nesting and breeding. Additionally, they are also a transit point for many migratory species, making this destination a recurring territory for birdwatchers.
A wide range of species
The Cíes Islands are home to a wide range of both sea and land bird species. Notable seabirds include the Yellow-Legged Gull, European Shag, Northern Gannet, Scopoli’s Shearwater and European Storm Petrel. In terms of land birds, you can find species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Common Kestrel, White-Throated Dipper and European Robin.
A place of interest for birdwatchers
The Cíes Islands are a place of interest for birdwatchers thanks to the wide range of species found there and their unique environment. Moreover, the Atlantic Islands National Park offers bird monitoring and conservation programmes, which enable ornithologists to take part in research projects and contribute to the conservation of birds on the islands.
How can you enjoy ornithology tourism in the Cíes Islands
You don’t need to be an expert in birdwatching to enjoy ornithology tourism. In this sense, if you want to observe birds in the Cíes Islands, you just need to get yourself a good pair of binoculars and follow some tips. Here we give you some advice so you can make the most of your visit.
Visit the Atlantic Islands National Park Interpretation Centre
Before starting your birdwatching adventure in the Cíes Islands, we recommend you visit the Atlantic Islands National Park Interpretation Centre. Here you can get information about the bird species that inhabit the island, and the best areas for observing them.
It’s located in a historic building in Vigo city centre, which aims to promote the natural and cultural value of the Atlantic Islands. All of this is done from an artistic and educational perspective. If you visit this centre before heading to the islands, you will get a preview of its natural wealth and gather information and tips to make the most of your visit to this destination.
Try out a hiking trail
The Cíes Islands have a network of trails to enable you to explore the island and discover its flora and fauna. We recommend you try the Monteagudo route, which will take you among cliffs and beaches to the island’s lighthouse, where you will be able to observe seabirds like the Yellow-Legged Gull and the European Shag.
Here at the Mar de Ons ferry company, we take you to the Cíes Islands and guide you through its hiking routes, where you will also be able to observe these birds and find out much more about them. On our website www.mardeons.com, you can find much more information about these trails and our guided tours.
Don’t forget the birdwatching observatories on the Cíes Islands
The Cíes Islands are home to two strategically located observatories, Alto da Campá on the island of Faro and, the lesser-known Faro do Peito, situated on the island of Monteagudo. Both observatories boast excellent views, both for enjoying the scenery and taking photos, or indulging in ornithology tourism.
The Alto da Campá Bird Observatory is situated on the island of Faro, from where you will be able to see the cliffs that the cormorants and Yellow-Legged Gulls nest on. In addition, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the cliffs of the North Island and the Island of Monteagudo.
On the other hand, on the North Island or Island of Monteagudo, you can visit the observatory located near Faro do Peito, a lighthouse built in 1904. From this position, you will have the pleasure of discovering first-hand the ecosystem and habitat of the colonies of seabirds on this side of the North Island, between the cliffs and the ledges and tops of the caves.
In these corners, the most important thing is not to disrupt the animals’ peace and quiet, which is vital, since this destination has been designated a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA in Spanish) since 1988.
Take part in a bird monitoring programme
The Atlantic Islands National Park offers bird monitoring programmes that you can also take part in as a visitor. These programmes include activities such as bird ringing, monitoring nests and observing migratory birds. By taking part in these programmes, you will learn more about the birds that inhabit the Cíes Islands and contribute to their conservation.
What is the best time of year to see birds in the Cíes Islands
The best season to visit the Cíes Islands and enjoy ornithology tourism is during spring and summer when the birds are in their breeding season and the weather conditions are more favourable. However, the Cíes are an ideal destination for birdwatching all year round, since there are always migratory species passing through the islands.
For that reason, here at Mar de Ons, we offer trips to the Cíes Islands all year round, even in winter. However, during spring and summer, our ferry company offers more frequent trips to this destination, leaving each traveller with the urge to return to this idyllic spot.
